Jam-filled pastries

Recipe for Jam Cookies - Delicious Biscuits

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20-25 pieces

Introduction

Enjoy a sweet and nostalgic treat with our jam cookies recipe! These fluffy biscuits, with a slightly crunchy texture and filled with delicious jam, are perfect for savoring alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to pamper your family, the jam cookies will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

The history of these cookies is lost in the mists of time, and recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, each with a personal touch. Let's discover together the secret of making these delicious goodies!

Ingredients

- 2 eggs
- 500 g flour
- 200 g lard or butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 200 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ammonia extinguished in lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 200 g plum jam (or any other preferred jam)

Necessary utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Baking paper
- Grater for lemon zest
- Cookie cutters (in the shape of flowers or other preferred shapes)
- Piping bag or spatula (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you obtain a frothy and fluffy mixture. This step is essential to give the cookies a slightly airy texture. Add the lard (or butter) and continue mixing. Lard gives a more intense flavor, but you can also use butter if you prefer.

2. Flavoring:
Incorporate the vanilla sugar and grated lemon zest into the egg mixture. The lemon zest not only provides an inviting fragrance but also a note of freshness that will make the jam cookies even more appetizing.

3. Activating the ammonia:
Extinguish the ammonia with a little lemon juice or vinegar, then add it to the mixture. This will help the cookies rise and give them a slightly crunchy texture. Mix well until homogeneous.

4. Incorporating the flour:
Gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula or with your hands, until you obtain a non-sticky and easy-to-shape dough. It is important not to add too much flour, so as not to weigh down the mixture. If the dough becomes too soft, you can add a little more flour.

5. Chilling the dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This step helps to firm up the lard and makes it easier to shape the cookies.

6. Forming the cookies:
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 5 mm thick. Use the cookie cutters to cut out the cookies, and if you don't have cutters, you can use a glass to make circles. Arrange the cookies on a tray lined with baking paper.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 160°C (low heat). Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes or until they turn slightly golden. Do not leave them too long, as they will continue to bake even after you take them out of the oven.

8. Filling:
Once cooled, take two cookies and fill the space between them with plum jam, pressing gently to stick them together. You can also use other types of jam, such as blackberry, raspberry, or even chocolate, to vary the flavors.

9. Serving:
The jam cookies are delicious both warm and cold. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look or serve them alongside a cup of aromatic black tea or a latte.

Practical Tips and Tricks

- Choosing the jam: If you want to try something different, feel free to use apricot or apple jam. Each variation will add a unique note to your cookies.
- Perfect texture: Make sure the lard or butter is at room temperature to help you achieve a homogeneous dough.
- Ammonia: If you don't have ammonia, you can substitute it with baking powder, but the texture and taste will be slightly different.
- Chilling the dough: Don't skip the chilling time. This is crucial to achieve cookies with a good texture.
- Storage: The jam cookies can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, but they are best enjoyed fresh!

Nutritional Benefits

These cookies are a good source of carbohydrates and fats, providing quick energy. The egg adds protein, and the jam, depending on the type chosen, can provide a dose of vitamins and antioxidants. However, remember to enjoy them in moderation, considering the sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but it will affect the texture of the cookies, making them denser.
- How can I make the cookies less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, and the jam can be chosen from a less sweet variety.
- Can I freeze the jam cookies? Yes, you can freeze the cookies without jam, and when you take them out, you can fill them with fresh jam.

These jam cookies are not only a simple and quick recipe, but also a perfect opportunity to enjoy the time spent in the kitchen. Each bite will bring you joy and pleasant memories. So put on your chef's apron and let's enjoy the magic of cooking!